SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers: The experience of a Portuguese COVID-19 front-line hospital during the 1st pandemic wave

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we describe the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCW who work daily at a COVID-19 front-line hospital in Portugal. Methods: To this end, the seroprevalence of 1027 HCW, assessed after the peak of the first pandemic wave, was determined using the following immunoassays: Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA IgG (Euroimmun, Luebeck, Germany), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago), and Elecsys Anti...

Evaluation of the quality of life and associated factors of a group of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis in the northern region of Portugal: a cross-sectional pilot study

Introduction: Children/adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) have psychological and physical difficulties that have a severe impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Aim: To evaluate the impact of CF on HRQoL in a pediatric age sample by identifying major determinants and comparing the HRQoL reports of children and their parents. Methods: A sample of 27 children/adolescents was included in a cross-sectional observational study. Inclusion criteria were age between 4 and 18...

[The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Healthcare System and on the Mental Health of Primary Health Care Providers]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic forced the reorganization of primary health care services. The aim of this study was to describe how the health services responded to organizational requests; how the health services involved and supported their employees; how professionals perceived their involvement in the procedures and what support was provided to them. Additions aims included assessing the levels of anxiety and depression of professionals and their association with the perceived suppor...

Palliative Care in Advanced Liver Disease: Similar or Different Palliative Care Needs in Patients with a Prospect of Transplantation? Prospective Study from a Portuguese University Hospital and Transplantation Center

Background and Aims: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, comparable to a large extent to other organ insufficiencies. The need for palliative care (PC) in patients with ESLD is high. In Portugal, in the only identified study, more than 80% of patients hospitalized with ESLD had criteria for PC. No results specified which needs they identified or their transplantation prospect status. Methods: Prospective observational study including 54 ESLD patien...